La
Rochelle with its picture postcard Old Port, cobbled streets,
Renaissance buildings, timber-framed houses and chic shopping
is well worth a day trip.
A trip to the seaside is a must and there's
a lot to choose from: sandy beaches and wild pine forests along
the unspoilt Cote Sauvage; charming calm bays at St Palais sur
Mer or St George de Didonne; city-centre promenading along the
resort seafront at Royan.
Take a walk along the cliff path at Saint
Palais sur Mer taking coffee in the salon at the fabulous Victorian
Romanesque style hotel Primavera and dinner as the Sun dips
low at one of the many beachfront resturants in the town.
Visit the ancient distilleries or take a
river trip up the Charente in Cognac.
Take in the fabulous
Francois 1er Park with its open-air swimming pools and excellent
children’s playground complete with trampolines and bouncy
castles.
Drive over the bridge to the Ile
d'Oleron the biggest island off the French Atlantic coast,
with its fine sandy beaches and forests of maritime pines, perfect
for walking, cycling and surfing. Visit the chateau or take
a boat trip to Fort
Boyard, made famous by the tv show.
Visit the magnificent castle of La
Roche-Courbon built in the 15th centrury.
Eat at one of the restaurants at the Port
of La Tremblade and try one of the specialities of the region
'Eclade'
(mussels cooked in pine needles) or locally sourced Oysters.
Visit the local vineyards and caves for
a tour and a taste of the regional tipple 'Pineau
des Charentes', made from Charente grape juice and cognac.
There are numerous local markets, brocantes
(flea markets) and vide-greniers (barn sales) throughout the
year if you enjoy atmospheric shopping and 'people-watching'.
Please ask Jim or Monique for details.
Other places & attractions
that you might like to include in your visit: Less than 30 minutes away :
